new london

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wiseguy

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New London info needed
I will be leaving from greenport to new london
with my 36 ft sailboat 5ft draft.
Picking up our kids(adults)at new london city
dock and they need to park car for a few days while we head to block Island.
Any good anchoring spots close by for night before.
 
Not really close by. You will be tempted to anchor by Spicers Marina on the river but a train comes by all evening that will rattle your teeth. You get kicked around by the ferrys too. Nor is there anyplace for quite a ways up river that I know of. You might try behind Pine Island on the eastern side near the mouth of the river. Pretty spot where I have anchored on occassion. Depth may be a problem in some spots. Check the charts. Your best bet is probably Waterford. Go up the river opposite Smith Cove. Plenty of room to anchor.
 
The New London city dock can be difficult, due to the wakes. I'd take it very slow going and coming. Watch the wind and the tide and slide in accordingly with fenders out.

The municipal garage is just across from the city dock. Parking there is always availble and fairly cheap.

All of the on-river marinas in New London suffer from wakes from the ferries and other traffic. If you want to dock, I'd recommend Thamesport (first marina on your port side as you enter the river). They have gas and diesel and are nice people.

Not sure why you want to anchor the night before, But as Andy said, anchoring behind Pine Island is a good bet. Nice and quiet and the Shenocosset Yach Club has a fuel dock right there.

Good luck and welcome to the Thames River.

Bill
 
Thank's guys I need to stay one night to pickup
the kids in new london from Long Island and than leave for Block Island early friday morning
and back to new london sunday or monday.
If need to they can take ferry home.
 
I would like to differ with the preceeding comments on New London. There are 10 to 15 transient moorings just north of the Coast Guard station at the entrance to Crocker's Boat Yard Marina. The train does go by on a regular schedule and there are some ferry boat wakes but I never found any of that to be intolerable in my Pearson 35. Actually we have chosen New London as a convenient destination for a quick over night get away from Stonington Harbor. Good dining is available; Thai, Mexican, Indian, Irish pub among others all within walking distance. There is also a good dinghy dock serving the moorings. In my opinion the convenience of the location as well as good dining far offset any negatives as long as you understand that there is no protection from the East or Southeast. Incidentally, I live in RI and have no connection with the NL Chamber of Commerce
 
Wow ~ people come out of the clouds.........good post. I would agree, it's not as bad there ~ but know what you are getting into. Really depends on the winds. Best of Luck!
 
Windance,

Point well taken. To us, New London is an unappreciated place to pick up a mooring or tie up. We also enjoy its many restaurants. Maybe we'll try you spot next summer.

Bill
 
Hey, I think I know Windance. He just bought a big-ass Grand Banks and has a mooring in Stonington Harbor. I'm surprised he didn't offer a free raft up on his 2000 lb mooring! Rumor has it that he has scantily clad boat babes lining the foredeck most weekends.

wink wink
Tom
 
The Mashantucket Pequot Fireworks are held in New London July 14. Is there a good spot to anchor? Does the Coast Guard shoo you away from Electric Boat or are there designated areas?

It's a Grucci World event - along with SailFest 2007.

http://www.sailfest.org/

http://www.grucci.com/natsched07.html

Three Mile Harbor Fireworks - a Grucci National - is also that day. I wonder if that event is more boater friendly?
 
There are well marked "No Entry Zones" in the area.
You will see the anchorage areas when you get there. Great front row seat but leaving after the show is a free for all. Some stay anchored all night.
 
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